Lending a Hand

We all know that there are many groups in our country that the Trump administration has marginalized with its rhetoric and/or its policies. In response, the club has decided to contact organizations that support these groups and find out how we can help. We will select one organization every few months and join together to donate needed items.

The first organization we have identified is Survivors of Torture, International, a nonprofit organization located in Old Town, San Diego. Did you know that 44% of all refugees are survivors of torture, most often political torture? Or that San Diego is home to 35,000 refugees? For the past 20 years, Survivors has been caring for many of these individuals, providing professional care through a holistic program including mental health, psychiatry, social services, and medical case management.

In recent years, Survivors experienced a 55% increase in clients to their offices in Old Town. In 2016 alone, they served 1,900 clients from 80 countries. Survivors received the Better Business Bureau’s GuideStar Platinum recognition for excellence in stewardship of donor dollars.

We can lend a hand to this worthy organization by donating hygiene items for men, women, and children These can be large or small bottles of shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, dental floss, deodorant, and body lotion, as well as feminine hygiene pads, combs, brushes, bars of soap, and nail clippers or other tools for nail care. Survivors will also accept financial donations, which they will use to purchase the items for you.

Please bring your donation of hygiene products or check, payable to Survivors of Torture, International, to Ron Mandlebaum’s home, 544 Glorietta Blvd. Or, bring them to the luncheon meeting on March 25. A club member will deliver them to Survivors. If you want an acknowledgement or a tax receipt, include an email address with your donation.

Let’s help this safe haven rebuild the lives of survivors of torture!

Do you know another organization for lending a hand? We ask club members to find worthy organizations and bring them to the attention of the club president. This is a meaningful way to take action against the Trump agenda and to demonstrate our values of generosity and compassion.

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One thought on “Lending a Hand”

Dear Ron: I would also like to recommend Planned Parenthood, an organization now gravely threatened by the Trump administration, for consideration by our club. I firmly believe this is a VERY important safety net for the health of our communities and for women’s health, in particular. I have donated to them regularly for the past five years, and used to phone bank downtown with Marilyn Lindsay. Hope to see you and Mercy on the 25th. Sincerely, Joann Palmer v